There are many research institutions that charge an hourly rate for the instrument and another rate if you want their technicians to do the work. It is much cheaper than you'd think.
I guess a class of less expensive laser microscopes emerged for 'desktop' use after my time working with the expensive ones. The ones I worked with used complex vibration-isolation means, air bearings, and a lot of control mechanisms, control electronics, and software. These were used by big companies and three-letter agencies.
There are many research institutions that charge an hourly rate for the instrument and another rate if you want their technicians to do the work. It is much cheaper than you'd think.
I guess a class of less expensive laser microscopes emerged for 'desktop' use after my time working with the expensive ones. The ones I worked with used complex vibration-isolation means, air bearings, and a lot of control mechanisms, control electronics, and software. These were used by big companies and three-letter agencies.